Job Tips

Don’t provide any negative information. As with any job search correspondence, never offer any negative information. Your goal with the application is to get an interview. Providing negative information (such as being fired from a job) just gives the employer a reason not to interview you.

Always answer questions truthfully. The fastest way for an application to hit the trash can is to have a lie on it; but that doesn’t mean you need to offer extra information. If you have been fired or downsized, leave longer explanations for the interview. Some experts recommend writing “job ended” as the reason you left your last job.

Provide references. Pick your references carefully and always ask your references if they would be willing to give you a good reference before you list them. You should try and have professional references if possible – former employers or teachers. And be sure to ask what your reference will say about you!

If asked to name your strengths in an interview keep the list short. If an interviewer asks you to list your strengths, keep it short. This sounds wrong at first, but few people want to hear a long-winded, make- it –up- as- you- go- along list of all the positive adjectives you can think of.

Never ask about money until the job has been offered to you. Avoid asking about sick days, holidays, lunch time or breaks. The employer may feel that by asking about these things right off the bat, your priorities aren’t in the right order.

Never ask questions that sound like you may not be competent at the job. For example, if you ask what happens if deadlines aren’t met, the employer may view you as someone who misses deadlines.

Tell people about your qualifications and your skills. Ask them to keep an eye out for you. Ask old colleagues and references for suggestions on where you might find unadvertised jobs and companies that are hiring.

Show up dressed appropriately at least 15 minutes early, with a copy of your resume, research the company your are interviewing with, have a list of questions to ask and above all, make eye contact! Be confident and smile!

Do you know you want to work for a specific company? If so, send a well-written cover letter and your resume directly to the company, either to it's human resources office or, often more effective, to the person who would likely make hiring decisions for the part of the organization that interests you. It isn't always easy to find the right person to get in touch with; typlically, you'll have to do some digging.

Many sities, particularly large ones, host jobs fairs at various locations throughout the year. Most colleges and universities hold their own job fairs as well, either individually or in collaboration with other institutions. A job fair is a rare opportunity to have employers come to you. So make sure you attend job fairs whenever possible.

Take the time to reflect on what is important to you. Set priorities, make a plan and stick to it!

The best way to get out there is to market yourself. Create your own brand and market strategy. Have an elevator pitch. There are many books out there to help you network, network, network!

Social Media is becoming the best way to create your own brand. You need to create your own digital resume so potential employers can find excellent information on you online. Career Edge offers a workshop called Job Searching with Social Media. We'll show you all the do's and don'ts of social media while job searching. Sign up today!

Do an informational interview. This is a great way to collect information about an occupation and connect with professionals in your field.

Try out new computer programs like Simply Accounting. You can download free trials. This will help hone your computer skills and keep them current.

Create yourself a LinkedIn account. This is your 'digital resume'. A lot of business are searching for potential candidates on this website instead of advertising their job. You can upload different resumes, create a profile with keywords that employers will search for and you can connect with professionals in your field. Go to www.linkedin.com and get started today!

Have a "normal" e-mail address; NOT blondie@aol.com or hotstud@yahoo.com.

Gear your résumé for the job you are applying for. This may mean having 2 or 3 different résumés but thats ok! No 2 jobs are the same.

Have more than one résumé.

Age, marital status and other personal information should not be on your résumé. You should also exclude hobbies unless they relate to the job you are applying for.

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Career Edge Seminars

Assertiveness and Self Confidence

This workshop will give you an understanding of what assertiveness and self confidence each mean (in general and to you personally) and how to develop those feelings in your day-to-day lives. Topics include:
• The four styles of communication
• Negative thinking and how one can overcome negative thoughts
• The use of positive self-talk
• Reasons why a pleasing appearance and body language are critical to creating a strong first impression.

Free Workshop
 

Dates to be announced

Boost Your Confidence

Dates to be announced

Career Explorations

Discover the Career that is right for you! Our Career Exploration seminar helps you to assess your skills, identify the work environment that is best for you, and explore the local labour market opportunities that match your skills and interests. We’ll teach you how to research what the job is really all about – before you spend time and money on education and training.

Dates to be announced

Computer Basics for Job Seekers

This 2-hour hands on workshop focuses on computer essentials for job seekers. During this workshop you will learn to:

  • Open, close, save and make changes to a document
  • Access the internet
  • Create a free email account
  • Attach a resume and cover letter to an email
  • Do a basic job search using the internet
  • Set up job alerts

Dates to be announced

Confined Spaces Certification

Confined Space Certification
A hands-on course provided by a certified trainer.  It covers the identification of confined spaces, descriptions of hazardous atmospheres, physical hazards, entrance and exit hazards, hazard prevention and permits.

Cost: $65.00 + GST
 

Dates to be announced

Construction Workshop

This two hour workshop introduces a career in construction, focussing on personal safety and what to expect on the job site as someone new to the field. Topics include health and safety, fall prevention and protection, aerial work platforms, confined space awareness, hand and power tools as well as ladder safety. There are no costs associated with this workshop.
 

Dates to be announced

CPR/First Aid

This is a 2 day course. First Aid & CPR training is basic knowledge delivered in easy-to-follow steps. Our courses teach simple routines that can apply to a variety of situations, from minor injuries to more severe injuries and conditions. This knowledge can turn your clients from a bystander into someone who has the knowledge and skills to help: someone who can save a life!

Please note that all First Aid Courses come complete with a CPR Level C (Basic Rescuer) certificate.  

*CPR/First Aid that is offered in some offices may differ in price and length*

Dates to be announced

Dress for Success

This 2-hour workshop looks at the importance of dressing for success, both during the job search process and in the workplace. We will discuss the keys to making a positive first impression, styles of dress, how to maximize your wardrobe, and general strategies for looking your best.

Dates to be announced

Fall Arrest

If you looking for work or planning to get into the construction field then get Fall Arrest Certified to help you gain employment.
Preventing a fall is quite different than protecting a person in case of a fall.
Our sessions are specific to both.
Workers are exposed to unprotected elevations every day. If you working at
an unprotected elevation of 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) you are
required to use a fall arrest system.
Our training will provide a basic understanding of fall protection with a focus
on personal fall protection systems to increase worker safety while working
at heights.
? Fall protection and Fall arrest basics
? Regulations and legislation
? Hazards and Controls
? Fall Prevention
? Fall Protection Principles, Systems and Components
? Proper donning and fitting of harness
? Equipment Inspection, Care and Maintenance

 

Dates to be announced

Fire Extinguisher Safety Awareness Workshop

Covers the fire triangle, types of fires that can occur in the workplace, and how and when to use a fire extinguisher. The workshop also covers when to evacuate and provides some proper maintenance tips for the fire extinguishers.
 

Dates to be announced

Food Handler's Training

This course provides basic food safety training and covers the following topics: public health laws, identification of risk factors linked to food borne illnesses, prevention of food borne illnesses, introduction to HAACP and allergy awareness. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a probe thermometer. Certification is for 5 years. Cost is $35.

Course is provided by the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. Please click here for more info: Food Handler's Training
 

Dates to be announced

Interview Success

This interview workshop stresses that in any interview, the key to success is PREPARATION. Over 90% if what you need to do for an interview happens BEFORE the interview. This workshop will help you: 

-Prepare yourself for the interview

-Give you suggestions for answering tricky interview questions

-Teach you how to make a memorable and competent first impression

-Review proper dress codes for interviews

Upcoming Dates:


Job Club

Description

The Job Club runs two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00am-12:00pm for six weeks. The Job Club takes place in the 2nd floor workshop room at Career Edge.

The Job Club gives unemployed and under-employed individuals a place to meet, network, and acquire new skills to assist them in navigating the job market. It offers twice weekly job search motivation and group support throughout the job search process.

Requirements

  • Be unemployed or under-employed
  • Be committed to the process. This means that you’re willing to become an active member of The Job Club and commit to participating for the full 6 weeks (unless you obtain employment).
  • Understand that the job club is a place where people share personal information, and respect people’s privacy by not discussing that information with individuals not involved in The Job Club
  • Have respect for others regardless of differences in opinion, background, or other personal factors.

The first Job Club will take place between May 3, 2011-June 9, 2011. The Job Club will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9am-12pm. There is space in the Job Club for 10 individuals.
 

Dates to be announced

Job Seekers

An effective job search is an important tool in building a successful career. There may be times in your professional life when you need to simply “find a job”. However, a job seeker who chooses a job related to his or her career goals will be better prepared to begin their future career on the right track. This seminar covers many aspects of effective job searching, including:

  • establishing your job search preferences
  • building your job search toolbox which includes resumes, cover letters, references and interview skills
  • learning effective job search methods
  • getting general job search tips

Dates to be announced

Job Seeking in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is a billion dollar industry that includes jobs in restaurants, hotels, event planning companies, and other jobs in the tourism field. The Quinte/Prince Edward County area is abundant with hospitality jobs throughout the year, but especially in the spring and summer months. This workshop will look at how to find jobs in the hospitality field, and will include an information session by Ramada Trenton between 10am-11am. 

Dates to be announced

Labour Market Information

This two hour workshop introduces the topic of labour market information, and how it can be used to assist individuals with finding employment. Topics of discussion will be the definition of LMI, current unemployment rates, why jobs change over time, key industries in Ontario, and how to use LMI to research and choose occupations.

Dates to be announced

Looking For Work Online

Helps clients who aren't computer savvy to look for work online using a variety of job search resources.

Dates to be announced

Mature Job Seekers

Mature job seekers (45+) face different challenges than their younger cohorts when looking for work. Myths about older workers often impact on employers choices, even though older workers, statistically, are more promising employees.

This seminar covers many aspects of effective job searching for mature workers, including:

  • the challenges and benefits of being a mature job seeker
  • myths and realities about older workers
  • building your job search toolbox
  • learning effective job search methods
  • getting general job search tips

Upcoming Dates:


Mock Interview

Do you have interview anxiety? Starting May 7th-May 11th Career Edge in Picton is running a new workshop to help you prepare and succeed in any type of interview. Mock interviews are done one-on-one with a Resource Counselour and filmed on camera for you to see for yourself areas in which you do well and which areas you could improve. It's an eye opener and a helpful tool in helping you get the job you want! Call 613-476-6456  or email to sign up.

Dates to be announced

Networking

Dates to be announced

OW

Dates to be announced

Personality Dimensions

This is a fun and interactive 3-hour workshop where participants can explore their personal values, traits, strengths, characteristics and behaviours through the Personality Dimensions program.Learn what makes you tick, and what makes the people around you tick as well! Improve your relationships, become a better team player, and discover the unique person that is YOU!

Dates to be announced

Portfolios

Dates to be announced

Resume and Cover Letters

The Resume and Cover Letter seminar is designed to assist job seekers To write the most effective resumes and cover letters that reflect their accomplishments, skills, and experiences in relation to the job they are applying for. If you're ready to write an effective resume, we’ll teach you how. Your resume and cover letter is your best marketing tool used to promote yourself to potential employers for the purpose of obtaining an interview. Get the Edge in your job search. Attend the Resume and Cover Letter seminar.

Dates to be announced

Service Excellence

Service Excellence is a dynamic, workshop for individuals interested in a career in the customer service industry. Topics covered in this workshop include:

  • Creating and maximizing memorable experiences for customers

  • First impressions in customer service 

  • How to build customer loyalty

  • Communicating with customers

  • The 5 step service process

  • Overcoming service challenges

Certification does not expire.  

Cost $45.00

Upcoming Dates:


Smart Serve

Attend a Smart Serve seminar at Career Edge. Smart Serve Ontario is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and delivering a responsible service training program to all individuals who serve alcohol beverages or work where alcoholic beverages are served in the Province of Ontario. Smart Serve Ontario is recognized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as the official delivery agent of the Smart Serve Responsible Alcohol Beverage Service Training Program in the Province of Ontario. Developed originally for the licensee, the Smart Serve program has proven beneficial for all individuals engaged in the sale and service of alcohol beverages.

Smart Serve Certification is a requirement for anyone serving alcohol beverages in Ontario!

Get the edge on that job! Attend our Smart Serve Seminar! There is a $30.00 fee for this seminar which covers the cost of your certification.
 

Upcoming Dates:


Success @ Work

Success @ Work is a new  2 hour seminar for individuals who have a hard time maintaining work. In this fun and interactive workshop we will discuss how to get along with different personalities at work, the impact of attitude on work success, the components of a healthy work ethic, the power of image, communication and organization skills, and how to deal with problems at work.

Upcoming Dates:


Success In The Workplace

Dates to be announced

Summer Job Service Information

This is a 2-hour session providing students the opportunity to learn and gain understanding of the Summer Job Service offered through Career Edge. For more information, please refer to the "I am a Student" section of our website.

When registering for this workshop, make sure to note if you are a Post Secondary Student or a Secondary School Student.

Dates to be announced

Trading Up

The Trading Up workshop provides general information for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the trades. The workshop covers the following topics:

  • How the system works
  • Myths and realities
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Selecting a trade
  • Tips for finding an employer.

Dates to be announced

WHMIS

Learn how to protect yourself and your co-workers at work by taking The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS, known as SIMDUT, Système d'information sur les matières dangereuses utilisées au travail in French) is Canada's national workplace hazard communication standard training. The key elements of the system, are cautionary labelling of containers of WHMIS controlled products, the provision of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education and site-specific training programs.

Protect yourself and other at work by learning what your employers need to do to ensure that controlled products used, stored or handled in the workplace are properly labelled, that material safety data sheets are made available to all workers.Workers receive education and site-specific training to ensure the safe storage, handling and use of controlled products in the workplace.

This workshop will not replace the need for WHMIS training at your current or future employment, however, this workshop will allow you to gain basic safety knowledge that is necessary in all work environments. A certificate is issued for completing the training. 

Dates to be announced

EXPERIENCED PREP/LINE COOK

A Picton restaurant is looking for an outgoing and energetic prep/line cook to work in a well equipped kitchen with high food safety standards on an ...

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Servers

A Picton restaurant is looking for experienced servers that excel in a fast paced environment.

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KITCHEN PREP / LINE COOK

Casa-Dea Estates Winery in Wellington is looking for a reliable person to help in the kitchen. Duties include: completing general clean up, prepping ...

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Museum Cataloguer

Museum Cataloguer Qualifications High school diploma OR Some university and some years experience in conducting research Knowledge Of records ...

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Housekeeper Helper

Busy Home Solutions is seeking a part time Housekeeper Helper to work 4-6 hours/wk in the Quinte area. Responsibilities will include light ...

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Short Order Cook

Short Order Cook Fry Days Chip Truck in Trenton has an immediate opening for a Cook. This is a new business with a state of the art cooking facility. ...

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